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Microsoft co-founder battles cancer

Paul Allen diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma

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Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

A memo which went round his firm, Vulcan Inc, yesterday, revealed that 56-year-old Allen had begun chemotherapy for "diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, a relatively common form of lymphoma", according to the Seattle Times.

The memo added that Allen was "optimistic" he can beat the disease, and had no plans to scale back his work at Vulcan.

While non-Hodgkins lymphoma is considered a fast-acting lymphoma, it often responds well to chemotherapy, with around half of sufferers surviving for five years after treatment.

Allen retired 25 years ago from the software company he co-founded with Bill Gates, after battling a similar cancer.

After getting through that, he opted to direct his energies and fortune towards start-ups, super yachts, space exploration and the Seattle music museum.

He also bought an NFL team, an NBA team and owns a chunk of a US soccer team. ®